Understand Shakespeare's language with this sonnet followed by a modern translation. I had lots of fun with sound effects in this one. What's your superpower?
This is the first of two sonnets Shakespeare confesses that his love for the Fair Youth effects his ability to see and think clearly. Sonnets 113-114 can be performed as a pair.
Sonnet 114 - • Understand Shakespeare...
When all my acting work got cancelled in the first lockdown, I decided to use the time to start learning all of Shakespeare's sonnets. I hope you find the modern translation afterwards entertaining. 114 down 40 to go!
This poem is both part of the Fair Youth Sonnets & part of the sequence from 87-126 known as the Fickle Youth Sonnets.
Sonnet 114 full text:
Or whether doth my mind, being crowned with you,
Drink up the monarch's plague, this flattery?
Or whether shall I say mine eye saith true,
And that your love taught it this alchemy,
To make of monsters and things indigest
Such cherubins as your sweet self resemble,
Creating every bad a perfect best
As fast as objects to his beams assemble?
O, 'tis the first, 'tis flattery in my seeing,
And my great mind most kingly drinks it up.
Mine eye well knows what with his gust is greeing,
And to his palate doth prepare the cup.
If it be poisoned, 'tis the lesser sin
That mine eye loves it and doth first begin.
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You recognise the music at the end, don't lie! - • Understand Shakespeare...
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Intro music composed & recorded by Joel Goodman.
/ @eppingmusicschool
Background music by music by bensound.com